Chapter 444
444:
Luther had been told a very different story. All he knew was that Brenna had allegedly tampered with Rosie’s car twice, leading to her injuries. And that Brenna had driven Rosie out.
Rosie had not told him what she had done.
“This can’t be true. Rosie isn’t that malicious!” Luther insisted, his voice rising.
Ableson stepped in. “This is indeed true. Jay confessed under interrogation. Rosie funded the attack. It’s all on record.”
Luther’s expression twisted with frustration. “And you kicked Rosie out for that? Conflicts between young people call for guidance, not punishment! Rosie isn’t like Brenna. Brenna has parents and brothers. But Rosie? She has no one. When she makes a mistake, she needs correction, not exile. As elders, you crossed a line. And you even took away her shares! That was just too much!”
Shepard stood there, unable to hide his indifference toward Rosie. He turned to Ableson in silent plea.
A lifetime of brotherhood made words unnecessary. Ableson understood Shepard in an instant.
Ableson stepped forward, saying, “Dad, Brenna and Rosie can’t live together. Rosie’s fixation on Ethan has gone on for years, but he has only ever seen her as a sister. With Brenna’s engagement to Ethan approaching, keeping her and Rosie under the same roof will only lead to more conflict. Let Rosie live with me. I’ll look after her myself.”
Luther finally gave a nod. “Very well. But remember this: Rosie has been through enough. I’ve offered her some compensation to make it up to her. As adults, you should care for her, not cast her aside.”
Ableson and Shepard knew they had no say in this. In this family, Luther’s word was final.
As Shepard turned, he caught the disapproval etched on Giselle’s face. It was clear she was displeased with the idea of Rosie coming back.
With no choice, Shepard reached under the table and gently patted her leg in silent comfort.
Luther continued, his voice rising as he scolded both sons and their wives. Tessa occasionally chimed in, echoing his grievances. She repeated how poorly they had treated Rosie, an orphan with no one to speak for her.
By the time Brenna and the others returned an hour later, arms full with baskets of fresh produce, the elders had already wrapped up the conversation.
The younger generation scanned their parents’ grim expressions. They were curious about what had happened, but none dared to ask. They exchanged quiet, knowing glances.
They had already talked about the matter while picking fruits and vegetables earlier. Despite being young, they were smart enough to recognize Luther’s move for what it was—sending them away to have a private conversation with their parents.
After a brief discussion, the younger generation had unanimously agreed that today’s family meeting was about Rosie.
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